Lethbridge and bicycles. Some would say they go together like oil and water. Others might say, “keep your mouth closed if you’re headed west” What is going on in our city and why? As a bike shop owner and an avid cyclist, Mathew is in a unique position. Today he will discuss his own experiences cycle commuting and share some stories from others. He will outline a few things that seem unique to Lethbridge and how we compare to other centers. How can our urban cycling be both a dream and a nightmare?
Speaker: Mathew Hellawell
Mathew started his cycle commuting as a young boy trying to get to Fort Macleod from his parents’ acreage about 10 km east. It was a long ride on a narrow, oiled road for a teen. After high school, Mathew moved to Lethbridge and began cycle commuting to school at the U of L and to work across the river valley. This went on for years, literally a decade. Because after graduating, he just started working at the U of L and downtown. Since then, he went back for a second bachelor’s degree and then opened a bicycle repair business, first called Mat’s Bike Repair and now BikeLane. Mathew has commuted in urban centers around the world. Now you can find him commuting around town on any form of bike, and usually with his dog Scout in tow or running alongside. He is here today to share his experiences and lessons learned from the community regarding cycling in Lethbridge.
Date/Time: Thursday, April 9, 2026. The presentation begins at noon & concludes at 1 p.m.
Free to attend. Donations however, are gratefully accepted.
Location: SACPA sessions are held at Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO), Atrium Dining Room, 500 - 11 Street South, Lethbridge
Lunch and Refreshments: If you like, please arrive early to patronize the LSCO cafeteria and enjoy its excellent variety of good-value food/drink options in the Atrium Dining Room before the session.